POSITION ANNOUNCEMENT

Job Title: Aquatic Invasive Species Director
Supervisor(s): Deputy Director
Employment Status: Full-time
Location: Auburn, Maine
Compensation: $55,000 to $65,000, plus benefits

Organization Overview: Lake Stewards of Maine (LSM) is a 52-year-old, statewide non-profit organization dedicated to the training and support of more than 1,200 certified active volunteers who collect lake water quality data and screen lakes for invasive species.  LSM’s mission statement, above, provides the basis for goals and objectives of the organization.  Funding for LSM comes from a combination of state grants, awards from private foundations, and donations from individuals and lake associations.  State funding through Maine Department of Environmental Protection supports LSM’s two main programs: Water Quality monitoring and Aquatic Invasive Species screening.  Private grant funding is most often project-specific but on occasion may be used for general support as are most individual donations.  Maintaining close communication with funders and volunteers is key to the organization’s stability and growth.  A significant portion of LSM’s work is education of the volunteers who may become stakeholder leaders in their communities.  Education continues following initial training in the form of webinars, an annual conference, newsletters, and website content; in addition, assessment and restoration guidance is provided when needed.

Aquatic Invasive Species Program Overview: LSM’s Aquatic Invasive Species (AIS) program has had an integral role over the last 20 years in helping to build the statewide program to prevent, detect and control aquatic invasive species through widespread citizen participation. The AIS program is dedicated to educating, training, empowering, and supporting volunteers in protecting Maine lakes from aquatic invasive
organisms. Since the first Invasive Plant Patrol workshop in 2002, LSM has trained and continues to train thousands of individuals to screen Maine waters for aquatic invaders, provides technical and plant identification support, and collaborates with other organizations to address the threat of aquatic invasive species in Maine.

Job Requirements and Preferred Knowledge, Skills, and Abilities:

Requirements:

• A passion for science education and volunteerism
• A Bachelor’s in a field related to botany, ecology, limnology, biology, environmental sciences, wetland sciences, etc.
• Background in Taxonomy, preferably aquatic plants
• Microsoft Office proficiency
• Google Suite proficiency
• Effective public speaker, including experience in presenting scientific content to the lay public
• Excellent written and verbal communication
• Valid driver’s license
• Demonstrated ability to manage multiple projects concurrently
• Willingness to be trained in Boater Safety, Wilderness First Aid
• Ability to operate watercraft, including canoes, kayaks, and trailered motorized boats, or willingness to acquire these skills.

Preferred Knowledge, Skills, and Abilities:

• Extensive knowledge (in breadth and depth of work) of Maine’s aquatic invasive plants
• Extensive knowledge (in breadth and depth of work) of Maine’s aquatic native plants
• Experience with state government RFPs and grant administration
• Program management, including budgetary and accounting experience
• Experience coordinating large groups of volunteers
• Experience writing successful grant proposals
• Experience with field surveys and geospatial data collection and management
• Strong interpersonal skills and leadership qualities, including experience communicating orally and in writing to both technical and non-technical audiences
• Ability to chair and facilitate committee meetings and work groups
• Open-mindedness and a willingness to learn and be mentored
• Information and database management and coordination

Aquatic Invasive Species (AIS) Director Job Description:

The AIS Program Director is responsible for:

• The recruiting, education and training, certification, and retention of Invasive Plant Patrollers, including a specialized IPP “Jumpstart” team.
• The management, development, and administration of the AIS program
• AIS data collection, Quality Assurance, and the development and integrity of Standard Operating Procedures (SOPs)

The AIS Director will also be expected to be the primary species identification specialist for the program, focusing mainly on aquatic and wetland plants but also some other aquatic organisms. They will be the point person for coordinating, with the Maine DEP, LSM volunteers, and local lake and watershed organizations in responding to new aquatic plant infestations.

The AIS Director is in charge of the maintenance of the LSM Field Guide to Aquatic Phenomena, the Pixie Williams Herbarium, AIS program budgeting, public information and outreach, and coordination and supervision of AIS staff and interns. The AIS Director will be LSM’s chief spokesperson on Aquatic Invasive Species and public voice in multiple settings. The work requires regular communication and coordination with lake associations and individuals throughout Maine. Statewide travel is expected. Travel and some non-standard hours are a required part of the position.

Application Process: Interested candidates should submit a cover letter, resume, and unofficial transcript, and have 3 references available upon request. Submissions should be sent to christine@lakestewardsme.org by March 29th, 2023 and files should include the applicant’s last name and first initial. Resume review will begin on March 30th. For any questions, please reach out to christine@lakestewardsme.org or call 207-783-7733.

Deadline: March 29, 2023

Lake Stewards of Maine is an Equal Opportunity Employer and encourages diversity and equity in all facets of the organization’s work. All qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to race, color, religion, gender, national origin, disability status, protected veteran status, or any other protected class.